Glissvia
Glissvia / Short answer
Mac remote desktop apps for iPhone and iPad, compared
Choose by what you need. To reach your own Mac with no Mac app, no subscription and no account of its own, Glissvia is a one-time $4.99 in the US. For Windows or Linux, or advanced streaming, look at Jump Desktop or Screens. For a free app with host software on the Mac, try Chrome Remote Desktop, TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
Glissvia publishes this page, so read it with that in mind. Prices are from the US store or the vendor’s site and may change.
At a glance
| App | Price | Runs on the Mac | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glissvia | $4.99, one-time | Nothing extra (macOS Screen Sharing) | Mac |
| Screens 5 | Free download; $4.99/month, $29.99/year or $199.99 lifetime | Nothing required (macOS Screen Sharing) | Mac, Windows, Linux, Raspberry Pi |
| Jump Desktop | $14.99, one-time on iPhone and iPad | Jump Desktop Connect for its Fluid protocol; RDP and VNC also supported | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| Chrome Remote Desktop | Free | Chrome Remote Desktop host; Google account | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| TeamViewer | Free download; licence terms set by vendor | TeamViewer | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| AnyDesk | Free download; licence terms set by vendor | AnyDesk | Mac, Windows, Linux |
| RealVNC Viewer | Free download; plans set by vendor | RealVNC Server for cloud connections | Mac, Windows, Linux |
When Glissvia fits
- You only need to reach Macs you already use.
- You prefer a single low payment to a subscription.
- You do not want extra software or another account on the Mac.
- You type in several languages and want the phone keyboard to just work.
When another app fits better
- You need to control Windows or Linux computers.
- You need audio or file transfer, which Glissvia does not offer. Check each app’s current feature list.
- You need team management or high-refresh streaming: Jump Desktop publishes these features.
- Your iPhone or iPad runs a system older than iOS or iPadOS 26.
Sources
Common questions
Which one is best?
It depends on the job. No app wins on every point: Glissvia is narrow and low-cost, while Jump Desktop and Screens cover more platforms and features.
Which apps avoid a subscription?
Glissvia and Jump Desktop are one-time purchases on iPhone and iPad. Screens 5 offers a lifetime option alongside subscriptions.
Is there a free option?
Yes. Chrome Remote Desktop is free, and it requires its host software on the Mac and a Google account.